Racial Justice and Mapping - Maps have historically been used to establish and perpetuate racism, and continue to pose risks to communities of color if race is not considered [3][4][5] - Organizations should prioritize conversations about race and racial equity in their work to ensure the safety, health, and prosperity of every community [7] - Colonizers used maps to exploit Africa's resources and enslave its people, highlighting the historical misuse of maps for oppression [9][10][15] - Redlining practices in the US, supported by racist maps, led to segregation and limited opportunities for Black communities [19][20][21] - During disasters like Hurricane Katrina, racial disparities were evident, with Black people disproportionately affected [22][23][24] - Colorblind maps during the COVID-19 pandemic failed to address racial disparities, but some organizations used maps to highlight these inequalities, revealing that Black people were two to six times more likely to die [24][25][26] Action and Change - Change requires action, not just time, in the fight against racism and other systems of oppression [32] - When creating and using maps, it is crucial to involve Black people and other marginalized groups in the process [34] - Maps and policies should be designed to advance racial justice from the beginning, not as an afterthought [34] - The Northstar of GIS promotes mapping practices rooted in racial justice and highlights the work of the melanated and mapping community [30][31]

Book Overview - "This Is My America" explores systemic racism within the legal system through the story of Tracy's family, where both her father and brother are wrongfully accused of murder [3][4] - The novel balances Tracy's personal life as a teenager with her activism and fight for justice for her family [5][6] - The book is part of a new literary canon that explores racism in America through the eyes of normal teenagers, alongside books like "The Hate You Give" and "Dear Martin" [7][8] Themes and Issues - The book emphasizes the importance and strength of family in the face of injustice [13][14] - It addresses the power of media, both positive and negative, in shaping narratives about Black people and their interactions with the law [15][16] - The author draws inspiration from Bryan Stevenson's work on justice and due process, highlighting the historical context of racial injustice in America [18][19] Author's Perspective - The author aimed to humanize young people by showing the dichotomy between serious issues and everyday teenage concerns [12] - The author criticizes the tendency to reduce Black individuals to bodies harmed, rather than recognizing their full humanity and stories [25] - The author highlights the importance of telling complete stories about Black people and their experiences with the legal system [16]